AARP Pennsylvania Offers Tips on Dealing with High Summer Utility Bills

Posted on 05/17/22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2022

CONTACT TJ Thiessen, Tthiessen@aarp.org, 202-374-8033

AARP Pennsylvania Offers Tips on Dealing with High Summer Utility Bills

Harrisburg, PA The news that many electric distribution companies are notifying their residential customers that the cost of electricity will be increasing on June 1 is hitting Pennsylvanians at a time when they are confronted with higher prices for almost everything they’re buying. From gasoline to groceries, to prescription drugs and rent, many Pennsylvanians are struggling. In order to ensure that they know about available programs and tips that can assist in reducing their summer utility bills, AARP created a guide to help them. The guide can be accessed here.

Among the available programs is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which assists people with low, moderate, and fixed incomes pay their utility bills. Although LIHEAP funding was doubled by Congress this year, many eligible customers have not yet applied. The application deadline is June 17, 2022. If you qualify, AARP encourages you to apply as soon as possible.   

“The constantly rising costs in electric, natural gas, and home heating oil bills are crushing the wallets of many older Pennsylvanians and their families,” said Bill Johnston-Walsh, State Director of AARP Pennsylvania. “Staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer is critical for health and safety. Now is the time to make sure individuals and families who need this assistance know where and how to get it.”   

In addition to LIHEAP information and offering tips on reducing your summer electric bill, our guide also includes information about other special programs, including Budget Billing, the Customer Assistance Program, Hardship Funds, and more. With rising prices and so many people having accumulated debt over the pandemic just to make ends meet, these programs could be a lifeline for those with utility bills that they cannot afford to pay. 

The AARP Pennsylvania Utility Guide is available here.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members – including 1.8 million Pennsylvanians - AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.orgwww.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPPA, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the AARP Pennsylvania page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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